Switch



E. E. FoRsTRoM ET A1. 2,773,139

SWITCH Dec. 4, 1956 3 Sheets-Sheet J Filed NOV. 4, 1952 ATTORNEY Dec. 4, 1956 E. E. FoRsTRoM rs1-AL 2,773,139

SWITCH Filed Nov. 4, 1952 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 l E IH, c L1 DI B 32o 2&8

XI 230 230 230 T are 252 se 232 268,8 ,232 26s ,232 2 I 268 X1 26e L2' 364 E' C' l FIQS. lNvENToRs 360 358 354 232 Edword E. Forsrom ondwlliom F.A||enby. ,L f 35| BY 34o 326 '/542 :ne 355 OFF M ATTORNEY Dec. 4, 1956 E. E. FoRsTRoM ET A1.- 2,773,139

SWITCH Filed NOV. 4, 1952 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 26E/Ll' f274 n A 266 IO. 272 2 l 268\ f @J I 262 i l ,L2' 266 I 25e 2 o e 266 26e L 33e B24/@ i-[l- `26e \s|2 (soo) Fig.l.

zes zes 264 WITNESSESI INVENTORS 5.5K Edword E.Fors1rom ond Wllom F.Allenby. wn. BY

AThToRNEY United States Patent Stratford, Conn., assignors to The Bryant Electric Company, Bridgeport, Conn., a corporation of Connecticut Application November 4, 1952, Serial No. 318,7 08

18 Claims. (Cl. Zoll- 5) This invention relates generally -to electric switches `and more specifically to multiple push-button switches.

For certain applications, such as the control of surface units for electric ranges where a number of multi-position switches are required and only a relatively small space is available for mounting such switches, it is necessary that the switches conform in size to the available mounting space and yet be capable of eciently performing a number of different switching operations and at the same time be readily and easily identifiable with the respective devices controlled thereby.

One object of this invention, therefore, is to provide a novel type of multiple push-button switch which is small in size, yet is efficient in operation and capable of economical manufacture.

Another object of this invention is to provide a pushbutton switch construction wherein a plurality of push buttons is arranged in a line and has novel interlocking means so that only one push button may be operated at a time.

Another object of this invention is to provide a pushbutton switch construction wherein a plurality of push buttons is arranged in at least two parallel lines and has novel interlocking means so that only one push button in either line may be operated at a time.

Another object of this invention is to provide a switch having a plurality of push-button operating members with a novel cooperative arrangement of switches to be operated by the push buttons.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a switch of the type described having a plurality of supply and load terminals and a plurality of push buttons and switches operated thereby associated with said terminals in a novel manner.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a switch of the type described having a plurality of supply and load terminals for a two-part switch housing, and a plurality of switches positioned in one half of the switch housing and a plurality of push buttons to actuate said switches positioned in the other half of the switch housing.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a switch of the type described having all electrical components in one half of the switch housing, and all mechanical actuating components in the other half of said housing.

These and other objects of this invention will become more apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of preferred embodiments thereof when taken in connection with the attached drawings, in which:

Fig. l is a top plan view of a switch constructed in accordance with this invention;

Fig. 2 is a longitudinal view of the push-button half of the switch shown in Fig. l taken substantially on the line Ii-Il thereof;

Fig. 3 is a longitudinal view of the contact half of the switch shown in Figs. l and 2 taken substantially on the line III-III of Fig. l

ice

Fig. 4 is a transverse sectional view of the switch shown in Figs. l to 3 taken substantially on the line IV-IV of Fig. 2;

Fig. 5 is a transverse sectional view of the switch shown in Figs. l to 4 taken substantially on the line V-V of Fig. 3;

Fig. 6 is a schematic electrical wiring diagram of the switch which is constructed in accordance with this invention as shown in Figs. l to 5;

Fig. 7 is a top plan view of a modied form of switch constructed in accordance with this invention;

Fig. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view of the switch shown in Fig. 7 taken substantially on the line VIII-VIII thereof;

Fig. 9 is a partial side elevation view showing the bottom cam construction of the push buttons for the switch shown in Figs. 7 and 8; l

Fig. l() is a plan view of the bottom portion of the switch shown in Figs. 7 and 8 taken substantially on the line X-X of Fig. 8;

Fig. 1l is a cross-section view of the switch shown in Figs. 7 to l0 taken substantially on the line XI-XI 0f Fig. 8; and

Fig. l2 is a schematic electrical wiring diagram of the switch shown in Figs. 7 to l1.

The multiple push-button-operated switch illustrated on the drawings and specifically hereinafter described is specically designed for controlling a pair of heating elements. This invention is not, however, limited to the control of heating elements nor is it limited to the precise number of contacts or push-button members specifically disclosed here. As the description proceeds, it will be apparent that a greater or lesser number of push-button members and switch contacts to be operated thereby may be employed, while retaining important features of this invention.

The switch constructed in accordance with the principle of our invention, as shown in Figs. l to 5 inclusive, comprises a two-piece housing 2 having the push-button members 4 and 4 and interlocking means 6 positioned in one of the housing members 8 and the contacts 10 and terminals 12 and 14 positioned in the other of the housing members 16. It will be noted that push-button members 4 and 4' and interlocking means 6 are the mechanical components of the switch, and contacts 10 and terminals 12 and 14 are the electrical components of the switch. By separating such components, individual subassemblies may be fabricated as integrated components for iinal assembly and thereby substantially reduce the cost of the switch.

Housing member 8 is preferably constructed of an in-A sulating material, such as a molded insulating material having integral therewith all the necessary projections, guides, etc., as hereinafter described. As more clearly shown in Figs. 2 and 4, housing member 8 has an open side exposing a recessed central portion 18, which is bounded by an upper side wall 20, a lower side wall 22, and end members 24. An integral supporting rib 26 is provided in the central recessed portion 1S of the housing member 8 extending longitudinally between the two end members 24 to support both the push-button members 4 and 4 and the interlocking means 6.

Push-button members 4 and 4 are preferably constructed of an insulating material, such as a molded insulating material having the requisite form as herein described. Primarily, each push-button member 4 and 4 comprises an upper portion 27 which extends through an opening 28 in the upper side wall 20 beyond the housing member 8, and a laterally offset lower portion 30 for actuating both the contact means 10 and the interlocking means 6. Upper portion 27 of each push-buttonmeml. ber d and 4 isrectangular in form, and upon depression, the shoulder 32 located at the juncture of the upper and lower portions 27 and 3th engages the inner edge 34 of the longitudinal offset 36 in the upper side of housing member 3, preventing push-button members d and d from being depressed further.

The lower portion 3i) of each push-button member 4 and 4 is rectangular in form and extends longitudinally beyond opposite lsides of 'the upper portion 27 so that shoulders 29 are formed which engage the inner surface of the upper side wall Ztl and limit the outward travel of each push-button member and 4. Surface 38 of the upper portion 27 and surface di? of lower portion 3) of each push-button are approximately in the same plane as'the outer surfaces 42 of end members Z4. The lower portion -of each push-button member ftand d is supported at all times out from the central recessed portion 18 lby the lrib 26 and is supported at opposite sides by supports 44 integral with the casing and positioned in otiset 36 thereof. Supports t4 also serve to brace upper side wall 20.

By this construction a longitudinal space 46 is formed between the lower portions 3@ of the push-button members 4 and 4 and the recessed central portion 1S, in which the interlocking means 6 consisting of iiat washers or rollers 48 is positioned. Rollers 48 are approximately the Same width as the lower portion 3@ of push-button members 4 and 4' and are adapted to be engaged by an integral triangular cam 5@ on the lower portion 3b of each push-button member i and d. The longitudinal travel'of rollers 48 is limited by engagement with integral extensions 47 of the supporting rib 26. It should be noted that cam 5t) of each push-button member i and 4 is formed to assi-st in supporting the lower portion 30 of its push-button member at all times out from central recess portion 18, by slidably engaging central portion 18, and it is shaped so that the sides of each cam Stb engage the periphery of adjacent rollers 4S in an area angularly displaced from a dead center position, whereby the maximum displacement of rollers (tti per linear inch of travel of each push-button member d and d is obtained.

Push-button cams Sti have two cam surfaces 52 and 54, which for convenience in describing their operation of the switch are referred to as the left and right surfaces, respectively. Also for convenience in describing the operation of the switch, push-button members 4 have been identified by Offf D. and E, push-button members fi identified by A, B, and C, and the rollers t8 have been identified by G, H, I, I and K. Lower portion Bti of cach push-button member 4 and d is provided with an integral cam 56 on surface 40, the construction and operation of which is hereinafter described.

Housing member 16 is preferably constructed of an insulating material, such as a molded insulating material having integral therewith all the necessary projections, guides, etc., as hereinafter described. Asmore clearly shown in Figs. 3, 4, and 5, housing member 16 has an open side exposing a recessed central portion 53, which is bounded by an upper side wall 6b, a lower side wall 62, and end member 64. Lshaped line terminals i2, which are made from any suitable electrical conducting .material, such as brass, are secured to the exposed outer surface of housing member i6 by a suitable mechanical means such as a machine screw and nut assembly 66. Terminal-s 12 are positioned upon housing .tomber i6 by means of integral projections (not shown) cn housing member 16, and the extending leg 6'7 of the Lshaped terminals 12 is provided with mechanical means, such as screw 68, to which electrical supply connections may be made. For convenience in discussion, line terminals 12; are designated as L1, N and L2.

Terminal L1 by means of assembly 66 is electricalljI and mechanically connected to conductor 7d on the inner surface of housing member 16. Conductor 76- is fabricated from an electrical conducting material, such as brass, and is irregular in shape. Conductor 70 consists of a long bar 72 extending along the inner surface of top wall 6d, and having integral projections 74, '76, 78 and Sil extending outwardly from back bar 72. Projection 74, having contact '77 at its upper end, is positioned on inner surface S2 or" housing member 16 and is both electrically and mechanically connected to terminal L1 and secured to housing member 16 by means of bolt assembly 66. Projection 7:3 is also positioned on inner surface 8?; and secured to housing member 16 by any mechanical means, such as rivet 8d, to secure conductor 7@ to the housing. Projections 76 and gli project outwardly above inner surface 82 of the housing .16 in spaced relation thereto, and are provided with contact-s 86 and 88, respectively.

Line terminal N is electrically and mechanically connected to a flat t..-shaped conductor 90 by means of bolt assembly 66. The conductor 9b is thus secured in position on inner housing surface SZ, and is formed from an electrical conducting material such as brass. Conductor 90 is held in position by means of integral protrusions 92 on inner surface 32 located on each side of conductor 9i) at the upper end of the long leg of conductor 9d and is provided with a contact 9d adjacent its upper end.

Line terminal L2 is electrically and mechanically con nected to an irregularly shaped conductor 96 by means of a bolt assembly 66. Conductor 96 is formed of an electrical conducting material such as brass, and consists of a long leg 98, having three contacts 100, 102 and 104 positioned thereon, elevated above surface 32 by means of riser portion 166. Leg 98 is thus spaced outwardly of leg 108, which is secured on inner surface 82 by means of the bolt assembly 66, and integral protrusion 11b positioned on each side of leg 103. lf desired, an insulating strip (not shown) may be positioned in space 112 to prevent accidental contact between conductor 72 and conductors 9i) and 96. lt will be noted that sta tionary contacts Sd, ldd, 302, idd, 56, 90;, and 77 are all spaced longitudinally of the housing Z, and contacts 88, 100, 102, 104, and 86 are all spaced approximately the same distance above inner housing surface S2, whereas contacts 94 and 77 are supported on the inner surface 82.

For the sake of convenience in discussion, load terminals 14 have been designated by the letters R, BL and W. As more clearly shown in Fig. 4, housing member 16 is provided with an integrai spacing block 114 to which L-shaped terminals jid are secured to housing member 16 by any suitable mechanical means such as a machine screw and circular sleeve nut assembly 116. rerminals 14 are made of any suitable electrical conducting material, such as brass, and each has a leg 11S extending outwardly from housing member 16, in which terminal screws 12d are positioned, in order that load connectionsl may be made to the switch. Housing member 3 is pro" vided with'slots 122 in lower side wall ZZinto whichv legs 118' o f terminals R, BL and W may extend. Spacing blockllli and lower side wall 62 are provided with slots 124 and 126, respectively, in which terminals R, BL and W are positioned with respect to housing member 16.

Spring contacts 123, 136* and 132 are secured to load terminals R, BL and W, respectively, by means of the bolt assemblies 116, and extend upwardly in housing member 16 toward the upper side wall 6d and spaced above inner surface S2. Spring contacts 128, 130, 132 are provided with contacts 131i, 136 and 13S, respectively, and are positioned under stationary contacts 8S, 10i) and 102, respectively. Housing member 16 is also provided with an integral spacing block 14? adjacent the lower wall 62, to which spring contacts 142, and i144, having thereon contacts 146 and 1453, are secured by any suitable mechanical means such as machine screws 1S@ and 152, re-' spectively. Spring contacts 142 and M4- extend upwardly spaced above housing surface S2, and are biased to be normally positioned above contacts @a and 77, respectively.

An irregularly-shaped conductor 154 is secured to load terminal BL by means of bolt assembly 116 and extends upwardly over load terminal W, spring contact 142, and is secured to spring contact 144 by means of machine screw 152. Spring contact 156 having a contact 15-8 thereon is also secured to conductor 154 by any suitable mechanical means such as rivet 160, and extends upwardly so that contact 153 is positioned below contact 86. An irregularly-shaped conductor 162 is secured to load terminal W by means of bolt assembly 116 and is positioned underneath conductor 154 and secured to spring contact 142 by means of machine screw 150. A spring contact 164 having a contact 166 thereon is also secured to conductor 162 by any suitable mechanical means such as a rivet 168, and extends upwardly so that contact 166 is positioned beneath Contact 104. Spring contacts 128, 130, 132, 164, 156, 142 and 144 are each provided with a triangular offset 170 all upon approximately the same longitudinal line.

It will be noted that end members 24 of housing member 8 are provided with holes 172 and that end members 64 of housing member 16 are provided with holes 174 so that when housing member 16 is positioned upon housing member 8, holes 172 and 174 are aligned so that housing members 8 and 16 may be secured together by any suitable mechanical means such as a rivet or bolt (not shown) passing through these aligned holes. It will also be noted that end member 24 is provided with a semicircular slot 176 and a triangular depression 178 which, when housing member 8 is joined with housing member 16, lines up with a similar semi-circular slot 180 and triangular depression 182 in end members 64 of housing member 16. Semi-circular slots 176 and 180 combine to form a circle, as more clearly shown in Fig. 1, which may be tapped so that the switch may be mounted by means of machine screws to a panel backboard, etc., or if desired, a flat, square-headed bolt (not shown) may be placed in depressions 178, 182 before housing member 16 is joined with housing member 8, thus providing a stud for mounting.

As shown in Figs. l and 2, a nut 183 is inserted in the triangular depression 17 8 and 182 in order that the entire assembly may be mounted to a panel-board by any type of bolt or screw. It will also be noted that housing member 16 is provided with a number of integral spaced projections 184 which engage at least one of the cams 56 on push-button members 4 and/or 4', in order to .securely position push-button members 4 and 4 within .the chamber when housing members 8 and 16 are joined, and to provide a guiding means for push-button members 4 and 4. As shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, each cam 56 on push-button members 4 and 4 are engageable with the triangular offset 170 of at least one spring contact.

Referring back to Fig. 2, it will be noted that the Off push-button is depressed and that the interlocking means 6 is displaced leftwardly to its maximum amount of travel due to the engagement of cam 52 of the Off pushbutton with the roller G of the interlocking means 6 which has moved all of the rollers to the left until the remote roller K engages housing projection 47. This has caused the remaining push-buttons A, B, C, D, and E to be elevated as each now has its cam surface 54 engaged by rollers G, H, l, l, and K, respectively, near the lower extremity thereof. If in operation the A pushbutton were to be depressed next, it is obvious that camsurface 52 upon the A push-button would continue to restrain rollers H, I, l, K to their maximum amount of leftward displacement while cam surface 54 would engage and force roller G rightwardly. Roller G in moving rightwardly engages cam surface 52 of the Off pushbutton and moves it upwardly. The upward displacement of the OifY push-button is limited with respect to the downward displacement of the A push-button and upon the complete depression of the A push-button the Qtf push-button will be in its maximum extended position. It is obvious of course that if the Off push-button were again depressed, the converse reaction upon pushbutton A would occur.

Again referring back to Fig. 2 wherein the Oli pushbutton is shown in the depressed position it will be noted that if push-button E is depressed, cam surface 54 on push-button E will engage roller K of the interlocking means and the force exerted to depress push-button E will be transferred through the cam surface 54 on push-button E to roller member K to the roller J. This force is in turn transmitted through roller members I, H and G, thereby forcing roller G to engage cam surface 52 upon the Off push-button, and, as heretofore explained, force the Off push-button to its extended position. It will be noted that although push-button members D, C, B and A were not moved in any respect, they will no longer engage the same roller of the interlocking means 6 upon their depression as each of the rollers 48 has been displaced rightwardly. Buckling of the interlocking means 6 will not occur as the rollers 48 are held in their horizontal position in space 46 by the lower portion 30 of each of push-button members 4 and 4. Rather than specically enumerate all the possible movements of the push-button members 4 and 4 and the rollers 48, it is believed apparent that upon depression of any push-button member 4 or 4 any roller that is free to move will be transferred from one cam surface (54 or 52) upon one push-button member 4 or 4' to a different cam surface (52 or 54) upon an adjacent push-button member 4 or 4. At the same time, any roller 48 which is not free to move will continue to engage the same cam surface (54 or 52). Thus, at all times one push-button member 4 or 4 will remain depressed and the others elevated, and upon depression of any other push-button member 4 or 4', all other push-button members 4 and 4 will be held in their extended position. However, only one of the push-button members 4 or 4' can be depressed at a time.

Referring to Fig. 6, it will be noted that with the OE push-button depressed, cam 56 of the Off push-button engages the triangular offset 170 of the spring contact 128 and thereby forces contacts 134 and 88 to be separated. At the same time, push-button members A, B, and C are in their extended position, and the cam 56 of each engages the triangular offsets 170 of spring contacts 130, 1.32, 164 and 156, respectively, thereby causing contact pairs 100, 136; 102, 138; 104, 166; and 86, 158, respectively, to be separated. Spring contacts 142 and 144 are normally biased so that their contact members 146 and 148, respectively, are separated from their mating contacts 94 and 77, respectively. Thus, it will be observed that when the Off push-button is in the depressed position and all other push-button members 4 and 4 are in the extended position, no current can flow through the switch to the load.

it' push-button A were depressed next, the Off pushbutton, due to the operation of the interlocking means 6, would be forced upwardly to its extended position, and cam surface 56 of the Off push-button member would no longer hold the spring member 128 biased outwardly and contacts 88 and 134 would close. At the same time, cam surface 56 of push-button A would no longer hold spring contact 130 biased outwardly, and contacts 100 and 136 would close. If for example, there was a voltage of 220 volts impressed across L1 and L2 and two load resistances X and Y were connected to the load terminals R and BL, respectively, with the neutral load terminal W being connected to a common connection of both loads X and Y, a voltage of 220 volts would be impressed across the load resistances A and B in series. The circuit in such case would be from terminal L1 to back bar 72 of conductor 70, through extension 80, contact 8S, contact 134, spring contact 128, terminal R, load resistance X, load resistance Y, terminal BL, conductor 154, spring contact 130, contact 136, Contact 100, and conductor 98 to line terminal L2.

lfpushbutton'B were depressed, push-button A would be forced upwardly again, causing contacts lil@ and 136 to separate and causing contacts lltl2 and 138 to close. By this means, a voltage of 220 volts would be impressed across load X only. The circuit in this case would be the same as the circuit described when the A push-button is depressed to the point Where the kcurrent flows through the resistance X. in this case the current cannot flow through resistance Y as contacts l@ and i3d have been opened and must ilow from load X to the neutral terminal W, to conductor 162, through spring contact 132, Contact 133, contact E02, and conductor 98 to terminal L2.

Push-button C is substantially identical with pushbuttons A and B; however, spring contacts i164 and 156 are placed in juxtaposition so that cam surface 56 on push-button C engages the triangular oisets J8 on both spring contacts 164- and v155, thereby causing contacts 166, 106i and SS, 86, to be operated at the same time to close when push-button C is depressed. Thus, depression of push-button C causes loads X and Y to be placed in parallel with a voltage of 220 volts impressed upon each load X and Y. The circuit with the C push-button depressed is the same as has been previously described from line terminal L1 through load X to the neutral connection W. At the same time, current flows from line terminal Ll through back bar '72, extension '76, contact S6, Contact 15d, spring contact 15o, conductor 15d, load terminal BL, load Y, and then to the neutral load terminal W. From load terminal W, the current from both loads X and Y .flows to conductor M2, spring contact 164, contact i166, contact E94, and conductor 9S to line terminal L2.

In a similar manner, spring contacts 142 and X44 are placed in juxtaposition so that cam surface 56 of pushbutton E engages the triangular offsets 17% on both spring members M2 and i442 and causes contacts 145, 94 and ifi-3, 77, respectively, to close. Thus, depression of pushbutton E causes loads X and Y to be placed in parailel with a voltage of llO volts impressed upon each load X and Y. In this case, the current ow is again similar to the flow described with the A push-button depressed through the load resistance X. At the same time current ows from line terminal L1 through the extension '74 of conductor 7i), contact 77, contact 14153, spring contact 144, conductor 54, load terminal BL, load resistance Y to the neutral terminal W. The current from both loads X and Y then ilows from the neutral terminal W through the conductor M2, spring Contact M2, Contact ifi-5, contact 94, conductor it, to the neutral liuc N.

Spring contact 242 may also be activated separately by push-button D. When push-button D is depressed, cam surface 56 of push-button D engages the triangular offset of T179 of spring contact M2 and causes contacts 146, J-i to close and impresses a voltage of ll() volts across load X only. The circuit in this case is again similar to the one previously described with the A push-button depressed through the load resistance X to the neutral terminal W, however, in this case the current flows from the neutral terminal W through conductor 62, spring contact M2, contact .ifi-t3, contact conductor 9d, to the neutral line N.

From this description of the switch shown embodying the principles or. our invention, it can be seen that a wide variety of control is possible with regard to the voltage impressed upon either one or both or two sep-- arate load resist-ancres by means of a switch constructed in accordance with the invention. The particular operational sequence described is the resut ot only one arrangement of switch members and push-button members that may be obtained. lt will be noted that a selection of components is possible by providing one oi two types of push-button members and Ai. push-button 4 having riser portions S6 underneath cam surface 56 to be used in conjunction with switch members which are normally in the open position, while push-buttons d" have a riser g portion 188 above their cam surfaces A56 yfor .use with switch members which `are normally in the closed position' so that upon depression yof either type of push-'button member 4 or 4' at least kone switch member will establish Contact.

Another type of switch embodying the principles of our invention is shownin Figs. 7 to 12, inclusive. This switch is identical to the switch previously describedas far as operational results are concerned; however, it embodies a different principle of operation with regard to the push-buttons, interlocking means, and switching means.

r[his switch consists of a main housing member 204i which is formed or an insulating material, preferably a molded insulating material having all the necessary guides, projections, etc., as hereinafter described, and consists of an upper portion 202 in which the push-button members A', B', C', D', E', and Oli and interlocking means 206 are positioned and a lower portion 20S in which the switching means 2lb is positioned. As shown in Fig. 7, the upper portion 2532 has side walls 2i2 and 2M which are joined together by end walls 216 `and 217. End walls 2id and 2l7 are provided with a slot 218 having a bottom land 22d. A narrower slot 222 for positioning travel bar 228 is provided in end walls 216 and 2t7 immediately below slots 2id so that the top of slot 222 separates bottom land 220 into two equal portions.

Push-button members A', E', C', D', E', and Ofi are formed of an insulating material, preferably a molded insulating material, having all the necessary cams, projections, etc., as hereinafter-described, and each consists of a rectangular upper portion 239, which extends outwardly from the upper portion 292- of the housing member 2%, and a lower portion 232, which extends into the lower portion of housing member Lower portion 232 ot each push-button A', B', C', D', E' and Oi is odset from the upper portion 23@ and is supported by internal ribs 23d upon the inner surfaces of side walls 2M und 21d or housing member 29d. Cam surfaces are provided upon the inner surface 237 of each push-button A', B', C', D', E and Oil for engagement with the interlocking means 266.

As more clearly shown in Figs. 7, 8, and l1, `one row of push-buttons has the A', C and E' push-buttons arranged in Ijuxtaposition. Cam surfaces 236 on pushbut-tons C' and E' converge downwardly from each side to la central apex, while -cam surface 21d/i on push-button A' extends diagonally downwardly from the inner to the outer side of the push-button. Push-buttons B' and Off are provided with cam surfaces identical with cam surfaces 2316 on push-buttons C' and E' while D is provided with a cam surface identical with cam surface 244 on the A' push-button. Rollers 242, which may be formed from 'any suitable material having the requisite strength, `such as lat sheet steel, are for the 4sake of convenience labeled "G', I-l', vI, J', K', Iand L'. Rollers G', H' and I' are arranged in one row, and rollers I', K' and L' are arranged in another row parallel to the G', H Iand I' row of rollers with transfer plate 238 positioned parallel `with and bet-Ween the plane of the two rows of rollers. Transfer plate 238 is supported in position by means of an integral projection 240 at one end which enters hole 24595 of roller I', and an integral projection 241 at the other end and on its opposite side Vwhich enters hole 245 of roller I' (shown in dot-dash lines in Fig. 8). Rollers l and I' are rotatably mounted upon projections 24d and 24d, respectively, oi' transfer plate 231? and may move laterally in unison along travel Vbar 228. Roller lG' is positioned `between the `cam surfaces 245 and 236 of push-buttons A' and C', respectively. Roller H' is positioned between adjacent cam surfaces 236 on push-'buttons C' and E' in juxtaposition with roller G', while lroller 1' is positioned on the outside side of cam surface 23o on push-button I' in juxtaposition with roller H'. Roller J' is positioned to the outside side of cam surface 236 of the Oi push-button, while roller K' is positioned between cam surfaces 236 on push-button Ott and B' in juxtaposition with roller J', and roller L is positioned between cam surfaces 244 and 236 of pushbuttons D and B, respectively in juxtaposition with roller K. T-shaped travel bar 228 (Fig. 1l), which is formed of any suitable material having the requisite strength, `such as brass, is initially placed in housing member 200, and ythe subassembly consisting of the push-buttons A', B', C', D', E', and Off and rollers 242 is then inserted into housing member 200 so that rollers 242 are supported by the top crossbar 248 of the T-shaped travel bar 228.

A cover plate 250, which is made of any suitable material having the requisite strength has a plurality of openings therein `for receiving the push-buttons, and is placed over the ex-tending upper portions 230 of pushbuttons and `attached to housing member 200 by any sui-table means, such as screws 252 in end portions 216 and 217.

Lower portion 208 of housing member 200 houses the switching means 210 and is provided with a bottom cover plat-e 254, which is formed of any suitable insulating material, such as a molded insulating material, and is secured to the lower portion 208 of housing member 200 by any suitable means, such as machine screws 256 which threadedly engage holes 258 in the housing. Line terminals 262 and load terminals 264, each having terminal screws 266 positioned therein are formed of any suitable electrical conducting material, such as brass, and are secured to the bottom cover plate 254 [by means of electrical conducting metallic rivets 268. Each rivet 268 is attached to a preformed metallic conductor as hereinafter described, which is positioned upon the upper side 253 of bottom cover plate 254. For convenience in discussion, line terminals 262 have been designated as L1', L2', and N. Terminal L1' by means of rivet 268 is electrically and mechanically connected to L-shaped conductor 270, which has a contact 272 posi-tioned on its upwardly extending arm 274. Terminal L2' by means of rivet 268 is electrically and mechanically connected to conductor 276, which is approximately U-shaped, having extending tabs 278 and 280 at each end, respectively, by which conductor 276 may be secured to bottom cover plate 254. As heretofore described, rivet 268 secures one -tab 278, and any other suitable means, such as a rivet 301 may be used to secure tab 280 to the bottom cover plate 254. Contacts 282 and 284 are secured to the short arms of the U-shaped conductor 276. L-shaped conductor 286, having a contact 288 thereon, is secured to an intermediate part of conductor 276 by any suitable means such as a rivet 290. Terminal N' by means of a rivet 268 is electrically and mechanically connected to an approximately U-shaped conductor 292, having contacts 294 and 296 on the upward extending arms of conductor 292.

It will be noted that contacts 284, 296, 288, 294, 282, and 272 are all approximately in the same longitudinal plane and are approximately parallel to each other. As shown, one arm of conductor 286 is positioned between the arms of conductor 292; therefore, if desired, an insulating strip 298 secured to conductor 292 in any suitable manner may be provided between vthem for electrical clearance.

Load terminals 264 have been designated by the terms R', BL', and W for convenience in discussion and are positioned upon the bottom cover plate 254 on the opposite side of lower portion 208 of housing member 200 from the line terminals 262. Terminal R' by means of rivet 268 is electrically and mechanically connected to L-shaped conductor 300 which has spring contact arm 302 having contact 304 positioned thereon, which is secured by means of rivet 306 to the upward extending arm of conductor 300. Spring contact arm 302 extends across the bottom of lower portion 208 and is so biased that its contact 304 normally engages contact 284 of crductor 276. Terminal BL' by means of rivet 268 is electrically and mechanically connected to the irregularly shaped conductor 308. Conductor 308 comprises a U- shaped portion 310 having upwardly extending arms 312 and 314 to which spring contact arms 316 and 318 are secured, respectively, by rivets 306. Conductor arm 314 is wider than arm 312 and extends to, and is positioned against, side wall 320 of lower housing portion 208. Integral with arm 314 is L-shaped extension 322, which is positioned against side wall 320 and has an inward extension 324 to which spring contact arm 326 lis secured -by means of rivet 306. Spring contact arms 316, 318, and 326 are provided with contacts 328, 330, and 332, respectively, which are engageable with contacts 296, 288, and 282, respectively. Spring contact arms 326, 318 and 316 are all biased to normally engage their respective contacts.

Terminal W' by means of rivet 268 is electrically and mechanically connected to the U-shaped conductor 334 which has upward arms 336 and 338 to which spring contacts arms 340 and 342, respectively, are secured by rivets 306. Contacts 344 and 346 are secured to spring contact arms 340 and 342, respectively, and are engageable with stationary contacts 272 and 294, respectively, in operation. Spring contact arms 340 and 342 are normally biased open. It is to be noted that all conductors are formed of an electrical conducting material, such as brass, and that all spring contact arms are formed of a resilient electrical conducting material, such as phosphorus-bronze. It will also be noted that all spring contact arms are approximately in the same longitudinal plane, and that each spring contact arm is provided with an intermediate outwardly bent otset portion 348.

Referring next to Fig. 9 in which the lower portions 232 of push-buttons A', B', C', D', E', and Off are shown in elevation and to Fig. l2, it is to be noted that lower portions 232 are provided with camming surfaces for activating the switching means 210. The selection of the camming surfaces upon the push-buttons A', B', C', D', E' and Oil is dependent upon the particular operational sequence that is desired and the construction of the particular switch contact to be activated. The particular arrangement as shown is for the switch operational sequence as hereinafter discussed. The Oi pushbutton is provided with a single camming surface 350 on the protrusion 351 on the rightward side of lower portion 232 of the Off push-button, and activates spring Contact 302. Push-button A' is provided with a single camming surface 352 on the protrusion 353 on the leftward side of the lower portion 232 of the push-button A', and activates spring contact 316. In a similar manner, push-button B is provided with a camming surface 358 to activate spring Contact 342, and push button D" is provided with the camming surface 364 to activate spring contact 340. Push-button C' is provided with two projections 355 and 357 which are respectively provided with camming surfaces 354 and 356 to engage spring contacts 318 and 342, respectively. In a similar manner, push-button E' is provided on its lower portion 232 with two camming surfaces 360 and 362 which respectively activate Spring contacts 326 and 340.

It is obvious that a wide variety of camming surfaces could be utilized on the lower portions 232 of the pushbutton and that the particular shape of camming surface utilized is of no import provided that the necessary spring contact movement is obtained.

Considering Fig. 9 with relation to Fig. 10 which is a bottom view showing the push-button members A', B', C', D', E' and Oni and switching meansl 210, and to Fig. l2 in which a schematic electrical arrangement of the subject switch is shown with load resistances X' and Y' connected to the R' and the BL' load terminals, re-

spectively, and having their junction point connected to` the W' terminal, an operational sequence of the electrical components can be described. Assuming a voltage of 220 volts is impressed across L1' and L2' so that there is a voltage of 110 volts between L1' and N' and L2 and N', it will be observed that with the "Oif push-button depressed and all other push-buttons in their extended positions, no current will flow from the line terminals to the load X' and Y', as all of the switches are open.

The operation of the interlocking means 266 of the switches shown in Figures 7 to 12 inclusive is similar to the operation of the interlocking means 6 as previously described for the switch shown in Figures 1 to 6 inclusive. The single difference between the operation of the `two interlocking means lies in the fact that in the switch shown in Figures 7 to 12 inclusive, two rows of push-button members are utilized. Therefore, it is necessary to transfer the force which may be exerted by the push-button members in any one row upon any of the rollers 242 to the rollers 242 for the other row of pushbutton members. This is accomplished by means of the transfer plate 238 which transfers the working plane of any force which may be exerted upon the rollers 242 in one row, to the rollers in the other row, but does not alter the amount or direction of the force. This transfer of force is accomplished by means of the integral pivot projections 240 and 241, engaging rollers l' and I', respectively. Thus, for example, referring to Figs. 8 and 11, which show the Off push-button depressed, if push-button A' were next depressed, cam surface 244 would engage roller G and displace said roller leftwardly. This force in turn would be transmitted through roller yH' to roller I', which would cause rollers H and I' to also be displaced leftwardly, roller H' assuming a position leftward of its present point of contact with the travel bar 228 while the I roller would enter the slot 218 in the end portion 216 of the upper casing portion 202. The total movement of the G', H', I' line of rollers would be limited by the distance through which the I roller may travel before engaging the end portion 216. By proper selection of the angle of the cam surface 244 of push-button A', a switch may be designed so that cornplete depression of push-button A' will cause roller I' to engage end portion 216. Inasmuch as roller I (by means of pivot projection 240) is rotatably attached to the transfer plate 238, movement of roller I' would necessarily cause the transfer plate 238 to be displaced leftwardly. In turn, roller J', which is rotatably attached to the transfer plate 238 by means of projection 241 would also be displaced leftwardly. exerted by push-button A on roller G' has been displaced in its planeof operation and is effective upon the other row of rollers I', K', and L' with the same magnitude (assuming frictional losses to be negligible). Roller l' on being displaced engages cam 236 upon the Off push-button andy causes the "01f push-button to be elevated. Rollers K' and L are not affected by depressing push-button A' as they had been initially displaced leftward by the depression of the "Off push-button. When any push-'button member A', B', C', D', E', or Off is in a depressed position, all other push-button members will be forced to `their extended positions. if any other push-button member 234 is depressed, such depression wiil cause the previously depressed push-button member to be forced upward in the same manner as heretofore described. Thus, for example, should either pushbutton member D' or B next be depressed, the rollers 242 shown in Fig. 8 would assume the position as shown in Figure 8.

lt is obvious from the method of operation that the number of push-buttons in any particular row is immaterial as the principle of operation would be effective without regard to the number of push-button members. Thus, for example, if- `desired to have four push-buttons inthe back row and three push-buttons in the front row,

Thus, the force it would merely be necessary to make the necessary physical adjustments to housing member 200.

As shown in Figure 12, with the Off push-button depressed, it will be noted that cam surface 350 upon the Off push-button engages the offset 348 upon spring Contact 3112 and causes the contacts 284, 304, which are normally biased closed, to be opened. At the same time, the operation of interlocking means 286 causes all other push-button members A', B', C', D', and E' to be forced to their extended positions. As shown in Fig. l2, with the "Oif push-button depressed and all other push-button members 284 in their extended positions, all contacts are open; therefore, no current can flow from the line L1', L2' to the load X' and Y',

if any other push-button is depressed, such as pushbutton member A', the "Olf push-button will be forced to the extended position, thereby permitting contacts 304, 284 to close. At the same time, cam surface 352 on push-button A' permits the spring contact 316 by engagement with offset 348 on spring contact 316 to close contacts 29,6, 328 so that a voltage of volts is impressed across load resistances X' and Y in series. The circuit in such case would be from line terminal L2' to conductor 276 through contact 234, contact 304, spring contact 302, load terminal R', load resistance X', load resistance Y', load terminal BL', conductor 322, arm 312 of conductor 322, spring contact 326, contact 328, Contact 296 and conductor 292 to the neutral line terminal N'.

ff push-button member B' is next depressed, pushbutton A' is then forced to its extended position and by means of cam surface 352 on push-button member A' engaging offset 348 on spring contact 316, springcontact 316 is moved laterally so that contacts 328, 296 open. At the same time, cam surface 358 on push-button member B forces spring contact 342 by engagement with offset 348 on spring contact 342 to be displaced, causing contacts 346, 294 to close. In this manner, a voltage of 110 Volts is impressed across load resistance X only. The circuit in this case would be the same as described when the A push-button is depressed to the point where the current flows through the load resistance X'. Thereafter the current ows from the load resistance X' to the neutral load terminal W' to arm 338 of conductor 334, spring co-ntact 342, contact 346, contact 294 and conductor 292 to the neutral line terminal N.

Depression of push-button member D' through interlocking means 286 causes push-button member B' to be forced to its extended position, thereby causing contacts 346, 294 to become separated. At the same time, cam surface 364 on push-button member D' by engagement with offset 348 on spring Contact 348 causes spring contact 340 to be displaced so that contacts 344 and 272 are closed. By this means, a voltage of 220 volts is impressed across load resistance X. The circuit in this case would be the same as the circuit described when the A' push-button is depressed to the point where the vcurrent flows through the load resistance X'. Thereafter the current flows to the neutral load terminal W' through conductor 334, arm 336 of conductor 334, spring contact 340, contact 344, contact 272 and arm 274 of conductor 270 to the line terminal L1'.

Push-button C' differs from the other push-button members previously described in that it is provided with two cam surfaces 354 and 356 on the lower portions 232 of push-button member C'. Thus, should push-button C' be depressednext, push-button D would be forced to its extended position, causing contacts 272, 344 to separate at the same time the cam surface 354 on pushbutton C permits spring contact 318 to be displaced so that contacts 288 and 338 close. Cam vsurface 356. of push-button member C' Causes spring contact 342 to be displaced and contacts 346, 294 to close. By this means, a voltage of 1,10 volts is impressed across load resistances X and Y' in parallel. The circuit in this vcase is the saine as the circuit described when the A' push-,button iS depressed to the point where the current flows through 'the load resistance X. At the same time, there is also a current ow from line terminal L2', to conductor 276, arm 286 thereof, contact 28S, contact 330, spring contact 318, arm 33.4 of conductor 303, conductor 30S, and load terminal BL', to load resistance Y. Thereafter, current iiow from load resistances X and Y is from the neutral load connection W through arm 338 of conductor 334, spring contact 342, contact 346, contact 294 and conductor 292 to the neutral line terminal N.

Push-button member E is provided with two cam surfaces 360 and 362. Upon depression of the E pushbutton, the C push-button is forced to its extended position and contacts 288, 33t), and 346, 294 are opened. In the same manner as heretofore described, contacts 332 and 282, 272 and 344 are permitted to close, thus impressing a voltage of 220 volts across the load resistances X' and Y in parallel. The circuit in this case would be the same as described when the A push-button is depressed to the point where the current ows through the load resistance X. At the same time, there is also a current ow from line terminal L2 through conductor 276, to contact 282, contact 332, spring contact 326, arm 324 of conductor 303, and load terminal BL to the load resistance Y. Thereafter, the entire current from load resistances X and Y iiows to the neutral load terminal W through conductor 334 to arm 336 of conductor 334, spring contact 340, contact 344, contact 272, arm 274 of conductor 270 to the line terminal L1.

It is to be noted that all push-button members, with the exception of the Off push-buttons, are provided with camming surfaces so that when any push-button is in the extended position, the spring contact or contacts which a particular pushbutton member may engage in operation, are displaced so that the contacts are open, but upon depression of said push-buttons, the contacts upon the spring member will close. Conversely, if the normal position of the spring member which a particular push-button member engages is in the closed position, the camming surface on the push-button member is such that in the extended position the contacts are held apart while upon depression the contacts are permitted to close. The Gif push-button is merely reverse of this in that when depressed it provides for no current ow. This is merely a particular arrangement of a switch and is, of course, not essential as the particular camming surfaces upon the push-button members or the particular biasing arrangement of the switching members illustrated may be varied, depending upon the control function desired.

Inasmuch as it has been previously described that a varying number of push-button members may be used, a varying number of switchring members may likewise be utilized, depending upon the degrees of control and the type `of control for the load resistances that are desired.

From the description of the foregoing switch, it is obvious that this switch is ideally suited to the operation of loads wherein a high degree of selectivity is desired and there is a limited amount of space in which switching means may be positioned. Another important consideration in both of the switches described is the simplicity of the operating parts that are involved and their high degree of interchangeability.

Throughout this description, the terms front and back, left and right, and upper and lower have been used. However, it is to be realized that this is only illustrative for the sake of convenience in discussing this invention and that the switch is operable in any position and that such words are not to be interpreted as words of limitation but only words of convenience.

Since numerous changes may be made in the abovedescribed construction and different embodiments of the invention may be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, it is intended that all matter contained in the foregoing description or shown in the aci4 companying drawing shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense,

We claim as our invention:

l. A switch comprising a formed switch casing,` a plurality of push-button operating members arranged in a plurality of laterally adjacent rows, said push-button operating members being positioned in and extending through openings in said casing, interlocking means located between each of said rows of said push buttons having portions mechanically engageable by each of said push-button members adjacent thereto to contine the operation of all of said push-button members to a predetermined mode, a plurality of switches each including a stationary contact and a movable contact positioned in said casing member, each of said push-button members when depressed operating at least one of said switches.

2. A switch comprising a two-part switch casing, a plurality of push-button operated members positioned in and extending through openings in one of said casing parts, means mechanically engageable by said push-button members to conne the operation of said push-button members to a predetermined mode, a plurality of switches each including a stationary contact and a movable contact positioned in the other of said casing parts, said one casing part and said other casing part having meeting surfaces in a plane substantially parallel with respect to said push-button members and said switches, and means for moving at least one of said movable contacts when any of said push-button members is depressed.

3. A switch comprising a two-part switch housing of insulating material, one of said housing parts being adapted to receive a plurality of push-button operating members of insulating material, a plurality of rollers positioned between said push-button members and said one housing part, said push-button members projecting through openings in said housing and having integral therewith earn surfaces which engage upon depression of any one of said push-button members at least one predetermined roller so that said rollers may be displaced within said one housing part thereby causing elevation of all other of said push-button members, a plurality of switches mounted in the other of said housing parts each including a stationary contact and a movable contact, and each of said push-button members having means so that when said casing parts are assembled each of said push-button members when depressed operates at least one of said movable switch contacts.

4, A switch comprising a two-part switch housing of insulating material, one part of said housing being adapted to receive a plurality of push-button operating members of insulating material, interlocking means positioned between said push-button members and said one housing part, said push-button members extending through openings iu said housing and having first integral cam means mechanically engageable with said interlocking means, said interlocking means being movable when any of said push-button members are depressed so that only one ot said push-button members may remain depressed at one time, a plurality of switches mounted substantially parallel to the major portion of said push-button members in the yother of said housing parts, each of said switches including a stationary contact and a movable contact positioned in the other of said casing parts, each of said push-button members having second integral cam means arranged so that when said casing parts are assembled each of said push-button members when depressed opcrates at least one of said switches, and said irst and second integral cam means being located von opposite sides of said push-button members. Y

5. A switch comprising a formed casing, a plurality of push-button operating members arranged in` a plurality of rows extending through a wall of saidcasing, a plu.- rality of switches positioned in said casing each including a stationary contact and a movable contact, interlocking means located between each of said rows of said push buttons having portions engageable by each ofsaid push-button members adjacent thereto so that only one of said push-.button members may remain depressed at any instant, integral projections upon each of said pushlbutton .members for operating a predetermined movable contact or contacts when said push-button member is depressed, and said movable contact being approximately transversely disposed with relation to said projections.

6. A switch comprising a formed switch casing, a plurality of push-button operating members arranged in a plurality of adjacent rows extending through a wall of said casing, a plurality of switches positioned in said casing each including a stationary contact and a movable contact, interlocking means located between adjacent rows of said push buttons having two adjacent rows of elements therein, each of said rows of elements being cooperable with only said row of push buttons adjacent thereto, and means for connecting said elements in adjacent rows so that only one of said push-buttons in said rows may remain depressed at any instant, and each of said push-buttons engaging at least one of said movable switch contacts when one of said push-buttons is depressed.

7. A switch comprising a formed switch casing, a plurality of push-button operating members extending through openings in a wall of said casing and arranged in a plurality of adjacent rows, interlocking means positioned between adjacent rows of said push-buttons having a flat transfer plate with a pair of rollers rotatably mounted thereon, each of said pair of rollers being mounted upon opposite sides at opposite ends of said transfer plate and having a fixed position with respect to said transfer plate, a plurality of freely positioned rollers upon each side of said transfer plate, all of said iixed and freely positioned rollers being restrained in movement over a predetermined limited path, at least one cam surface upon each of said operating members so that when any one of said operating members is depressed at least one cam surface engages at least one -of said lixed or said freely positioned rollers, a plurality Iof switches positioned in said casing including a stationfary contact and a movable contact to engage said stationary contact, and integral projections upon each of said push-buttons engaging at least one of said movable 4contacts when one of said push-buttons is depressed,

8. A push-button mechanism comprising, a housing member, operating members arranged laterally in two adjacent rows each containing a plurality of operating members projecting through openings in said housling member, interlocking means disposed between said adjacent rows of said operating members, each of said y'operating members having integral cam means engageable with at least one portion of said interlocking means at all times so that said interlocking means is movable in response to movement of any one of said operating members to confine the movement of said operating members so that only one of said operating members may be depressed at a time, and said housing member being formed to support and guide said operating members and said interlocking means in operative relationship.

9. A push-button mechanism comprising, a housing member, operating members arranged in two adjacent rows each containing a plurality of operating members projecting through said housing member, said operating members each having integral cam surfaces for mechanically engaging interlocking means disposed between adjacent rows of said operating members, said interlocking means moving in response to movement of any one of said operating members so as to force all other of said operating members to an extended position, `said interlocking means having two adjacent connected .rows .of movable elements, each of vsaid rows of elements being cooperable only'with said row of operating members adjacent thereto and said housing member being formed iid to support and guide said operating members and said interlocking means in operative relationship.

it). A push-button mechanism comprising, a housing member, operating members arranged in two adjacent rows with each row containing a plurality of operating members projecting through openings in said housing member, said operating members each having cam surfaces for mechanically engaging interlocking means disposed between said adjacent rows of operating members, said interlocking means comprising a transfer plate and a plurality of rollers, said transfer plate having rotatably mounted thereon upon opposite sides at opposite ends rollers having a iixed position with respect to said transfer plate, a plurality of freely positioned rollers upon each side of said transfer plate, all of said fixed and freely positioned rollers being restrained in movement over a travel bar, cam surfaces upon each of said operating members so that when any one of said operating members is depressed its corresponding cam surface engages at least one of said tixed or said freely positioned rollers thereby causing at least one of said rollers or said rollers and transfer plate to move with respect to movement of said operating member to force all other operating members to an extended position.

ll. A switch comprising a pair of elongated, thin, cupshaped switch casings, a plurality of push-button operating members slidable widthwise in and partially extending through openings in one ot said casings, interlocking means mechanically engageable by said push-button members positioned between said push-button members and said one casing to confine the operation of said pushbuttcn members to a predetermined mode, a plurality of switches positioned in the other of said casings in juxtaposition to said push-button members each including a stationary contact and a movable contact and arranged so that when said casings are assembled with their open sides in engagement, each of said push-button members when depressed operates said interlocking means and at least one of said switches, and each of said movable contacts extending widthwise in said other casing.

l2. A switch comprising an elongated two-part switch casing split longitudinally and having a plurality of pushbutton operating members positioned in and extending through openings in said casing, said casing parts being adapted to have their open sides in engagement, means located between said push-button members and one casing part mechanically eng-ageable by said push-button members to confine the operation of said push-button members to a predetermined mode, a plurality of switches in juxtaposition to said push-button members located in the other of said casing parts, each including a stationary contact and a movable contact and arranged so that when said casing parts are assembled, each of said pushbutton members when depressed operates at least one of said switches.

13. A switch comprising a pair of elongated cup-shaped switch casings adapted to be secured together, a plurality of push-button operating members arranged in a row, said push-button operating members being positioned in `and extending through openings in at least one of said casings, means mechanically engageable by said pushbutton members to confine the operation of said push- `button members to a predetermined mode, a plurality of switches located in the other of said casings substantially parallel to and at one side of said push-button members each including a stationary contact and a movable contact, each of said push-button members when depressed operating at least one of said switches.

14. A switch comprising a formed switch casing, a Vplurality of push-button members arranged in a plurality of rows, said push-button operating members being positioned in and extending through openings in said casing, interlocking means positioned between said rows of Said push-buttons mechanically engageable by said push-button members to confine the operation of said push-button members to a predetermined mode, a plurality of switches arranged substantially at righ; angles to said push-button members at the inner ends ot' said push-button members and supported upon a bottom cover of said casing, each including a stationary contact and a movable contact positioned in said casing member, each of said pushbutton members when depressed operating at least one of said switches.

l5. A switch comprising a switch supporting means, a plurality of push-button members arranged in a plurality of adjacent substantially parallel rows, said plurality of push-button members being slidably mounted on said supporting means, interlocking means located between adjacent rows of push-button members including a transfer plate having a roller rotatably mounted thereon at one end and at one side thereof, a second roller rotatably mounted on said plate at the other end thereof and at the opposite side, said rollers having a fixed position with respect to said transfer plate, a plurality of freely positioned rollers adjacent cach of said fixed rollers, each of said push-button members in adjacent rows mechanically engaging at least one of the adjacent rollers of the interlocking means located therebetween to contine the operation of all of said push-button members to a predetermined mode, a plurality of switches each including a stationary Contact and a movable contact mounted on said supporting means, and each of said push-button members when depressed operating at least one of said switches.

16. A switch comprising a hollow switch casing, a plurality of push-button operating members arranged in `a plurality of adjacent rows extending through a wall of said casing, a plurality of switches positioned in said casing each including a stationary contact and a movable Contact, interlocking means located between adjacent rows of said push-buttons having a spaced pair of rows o elements located substantially parallel to said push-buttons, each of said rows of elements being cooperable with only the row of said push-buttons adjacent thereto, means for connecting said pair of rows of elements together so that only one of said push-buttons in said rows may remain depressed at any instant, and each of said push-buttons engaging at least one of said movable switch contacts when one of said push-buttons is depressed.

17. A switch comprising a hollow casing, a plurality of push-button operating members arranged in a plurality of rows extending through a wall of said casing, a plurality of switches located in said casing, each including a stationary contact and an elongated movable contact, all of said push buttons having a switch actuating means at its inner end, all of said movable contacts having at least one integral means located intermediate its ends engageable by said switch actuating means, means for confining the operation of said push buttons to a predetermined mode, and all of said movable contacts being located in substantially one plane which is transversely disposed with relation to the inner end of said push button.

18. A switch comprising, supporting means, a plurality of push button operating members slidably mounted on said supporting means and arranged in a plurality of laterally adjacent rows, interlocking means located between each of said rows of said push buttons having portions mechanically engageable by each of said push button members adjacent thereto to confine the operation of all of said push button members to a predetermined mode, a plurality of switches each including a stationary contact and a movable Contact supported by said supporting means, and each of said push button members when depressed operating at least one of said switches.

References Cited inthe file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 679,310 Hall July 30, 1901 2,297,8i9 Wagenknecht Oct. 6, 1942 2,474,189 Porter June 21, 1949 2,529,374 Caruso Nov. 7, 1950 2,531,457 li/icLarn Nov. 28, 1950 2,566,278 Williams Aug. 28, 1951 FOREIGN PATENTS 633,423 France Oct. 24, 1927 693,593 Germany July 15, 1940 

